PilotAware
British Forum => Technical Support => Topic started by: HarryS on July 02, 2018, 12:36:13 pm
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Hi,
I'm just getting around to updating my software and licence (done!) but as I'm a little bit behind on the updates have downloaded the 20180502 to 8GB micro SD - the same kit that has been working OK since I built the unit. I am doing a complete software flash.
I'm getting the following error which is stopping the boot. I don't have a USB keyboard attached, but thinking this may be the issue have also been trying without the screen - i.e. nothing otherthan Wifi, GPS and Antenna plugged in unit in the normal config as if I were about to go flying.
The error is a Null Pointer DEreference at 00000070 - screen shot attached.
Any ideas? Was trying to look at latest software cut and radar screen before making the decision to go for a Rosetta upgrade build pack...
Thanks,
Harry
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Hi Harry
Did you reformat your MicroSD card before loading the zip file contents onto the MicroSD ?
Thx
Lee
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Hi Lee,
Yes, although to be honest the recommended software didn’t seem to have the options noted in the documentation for windows 10 so having tried that twice ended up using the normal Windows 10 right click FAT32 formatting method. Do I need to revisit the formatting? I usually use a Mac, but fear formattingvthe disk on that will introduce a whole new world of different pain...
H
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hi Harry
I think this may be the issue. you need to format using the SD card formatter
https://www.raspberrypi.org/documentation/installation/sdxc_formatting.md
The formatter is here
https://www.sdcard.org/downloads/formatter_4/eula_windows/index.html
Thx
Lee
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Lee, last time I looked Formatter 4 had been upgraded to V5 and is different, with different options. Naturally this is not reflected in the manual, which needs to be updated.
You link directs to V5
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Hi Lee,
Yes, although to be honest the recommended software didn’t seem to have the options noted in the documentation for windows 10 so having tried that twice ended up using the normal Windows 10 right click FAT32 formatting method. Do I need to revisit the formatting? I usually use a Mac, but fear formattingvthe disk on that will introduce a whole new world of different pain...
H
FWIW i use an Imac and have no problem formatting a SD card and dropping the complete zip files to the desktop then out of the folder onto the card, it works for me,
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Lee, last time I looked Formatter 4 had been upgraded to V5 and is different, with different options. Naturally this is not reflected in the manual, which needs to be updated.
You link directs to V5
Hi Ian,
You are correct, but I think it still formats in the same manner ?
as I recall the issue is it may list some of the other disk partitions on Windows.
Thx
Lee
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Using the Windows and Mac version I use 'Overwrite format'. The default label is 'Recovery' (although have deleted this and left it blank to see if it helps). have done the same on mac - same issue - falls over at a null pointer dereference 00000070, 71 or 72. Will look for another SD card - but don't seem to have anything smaller than 64GB if I dont use my 8GB card.
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Hi Harry
You could also try a full overwrite format (rather than a quick format) this does take a longtime, but I have seen this make a difference a couple of times in the past.
otherwise sounds like a corrupted MicroSD card.
Thx
Lee
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Hi Lee,
Quick update....
Yes, had been 'full formatting' it rather than quick formatting it, but have tried both, as well as the MiniTool Partition software.
Replaced the card today with a new one (still 8GB Verbatim). Still the same error, so wondering if I have something else going on now such as a fault on the Pi or bridge. USing both a ANKER battery and a 5V Pi power pack to see if ther's anything else messing me around. Have also tried booting without the WiFi dongle, Antenna and GPS dongle. Will download the PA software again, just on the off chance something has corrupted during the unzipping.
Harry
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Lee, last time I looked Formatter 4 had been upgraded to V5 and is different, with different options. Naturally this is not reflected in the manual, which needs to be updated.
You link directs to V5
Hi Ian,
You are correct, but I think it still formats in the same manner ?
as I recall the issue is it may list some of the other disk partitions on Windows.
Thx
Lee
Lee,
If you are talking about Windows showing all 4 disc partitions when you try to open a microSD taken out of a PilotAware, I am still using SDFormatter4 and can confirm that this has been happening for quite a while when any card taken from any PilotAware is put into my Windows 10 Laptop, so I don’t think it is an SDFormatter issue. AIUI, the problem with SDFormatter5 is that it no longer gives the option to select ‘Full Overwrite Format... with Size Adjustment ‘On’ so not sure which actual ‘Format’ we end up with. I was going to try a test on the PC at the Airfield this afternoon, which has SDF5 installed, but couldn’t find a spare micro SD to test on. Unfortunately I won’t be back for at least a week.
Regards
Peter
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I tried on another machine today, but still no joy, but then if it’s a formatting issue as suggested i’m not doing.anything different than on the Mac and other Win10 laptop. Ever the optimist...
Peter, thanks for the additional info - I agree - V5 has become ‘black box’ and it’s unclear what it’s actually doing now as the menu has been reduced down to ‘quick or ‘full’. I can’t find the copy of an earlier cut of the formatting software and was wondering whether someone might have a copy of V4 (or earlier) that could be made avaiable either on the LODE site or via email.
Am taking this ‘down time’ as an opportunity to change the Pi 2+ to 3 (not plus) as well as building another classic for a friend that he bought from the team last year but didn’t build. Hopefully I’ll be able to pop his PilotAware supplied SD in mine and see if it boots the kit up fully (MAC / Licence issues aside).
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Harry,
I still have the '.zip file' containing the 'SDF4 Installer Application', but I presume it will either try to find the v4 software and fail, or try to install the newer version 5 instead (so for obvious reasons I don't want to try re-running it on mine). Happy to email it to you if you want to give it a try. Just PM me your e-mail.
Regards
Peter
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Thanks Peter - i’ve Just found a copy of V4 online.
Sadly it doesn’t fix the issue for me and my boot stops in the same place. I note my GPS flashes, but my Wi-fi dongle never comes alive (but does when plugged into a laptop). I suspect the boot doesn’t get far enough to switch it on.
I have a look at the PilotAware loaded SD supplied with my friends kit and see if it solves anything, before changing other things out.
Thanks,
H
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Harry,
You could try connecting your RPi to a monitor (or TV set) via the HDMI port? That way you can monitor the boot sequence and let us know how far it is getting. Perhaps take a picture of the screen and post it on here. That would let Lee see what is going on.
Regards
Peter
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Hi Harry
I presume this is a Classic, when was this purchased ?
Could you try a test of rebooting with all dongles unplugged ?
remove GPS, WiFi, RTL-SDR
Keep the monitor plugged in, and please post a screenshot of the output
Thx
Lee
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'Morning,
I attached a screen photo on the first post but just to check I'm in the same place have re-booted this morning and attach the output here - its more or less the same issue give or take a line or two of activity - '[13.015067] Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer derefernce at virtual address 00000070'. I gave also see the address noted as 00000071 and 000000072 from time to time.
This morning it first hung at 'started create volatile files and directories' - two lines before [13.015067]
Rebooted - hung on the next line 'Starting update UTMP about system Boot/shutdown' (did this twice) - I think this and the line above are pretty much one and the same?
Rebooted and got a screen of death but could read [12.804752] unable to handle kernel paging request at virtual address e10e0008
Rebooted - got [12.778828] Unable to handle kernel paging request at Virtual Address ffffffc4
Rebooted and ended back at Starting Update UTMP about system Boot/Shutdown.
Just as an FYI, I get no power warnings. I'm using a 5v 2a power adapter and the unit has normally been run on a Anker Battery.
Given I have an old bridge (v1- an early BETA adopter!) I guess I am already on the backfoot given the progress on development, but even disconnecting that the unit hangs at 'Starting Update UTMP about system Boot/Shutdown so I dont think that process is even started and thius can discount any hardware error there?
H
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Hi Harry
I presume this is a Classic, when was this purchased ?
Could you try a test of rebooting with all dongles unplugged ?
remove GPS, WiFi, RTL-SDR
Keep the monitor plugged in, and please post a screenshot of the output
Thx
Lee
Hi Lee,
I bought the parts and built it myself, buying the V1 bridge.
Here you go - I have tried this already (and also unplugged the bridge).
Same error - [12.462227] Unable to handle kernel NULL pointer dereference at Virtual Address 0000000070
Is ist worth me trying to load an old version of PilotAware from say 2016 when I know it was running and see if it does anything different?
H
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Is ist worth me trying to load an old version of PilotAware from say 2016 when I know it was running and see if it does anything different?
Sure give it a go.
So am I right in assuming this is a Pi1B+ ?
Thx
Lee
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Yes... P1 B+ 700MHZ, 512RAM 4 USB.
Do errr.. you have a copy of an earlier version you could send me?
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Yes... P1 B+ 700MHZ, 512RAM 4 USB.
Do errr.. you have a copy of an earlier version you could send me?
What was the last version you were successfully running ?
Thx
Lee
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Not sure Lee - think it was from mid last year - certainly pre OGN and USB update.
H
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'Morning,
I attached a screen photo on the first post but just to check I'm in the same place have re-booted this morning and attach the output here - its more or less the same issue give or take a line or two of activity -......
Harry,
My apologies - of course you did - my only ‘excuse’ is trying to deal with multiple threads, especially late at night. Still, it has moved things on a bit.
Lee,
IIRC 20170619 caused a bit of hassle, requiring 2 x ‘Hot Fixes’. I would think, probably best to try a full install of 20170223, which from my notes was the last ‘pre-UDP’ version and was pretty reliable.
Regards
Peter
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Not sure Lee - think it was from mid last year - certainly pre OGN and USB update.
Sent you a PM
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Lee / Harry,
A bit of a coincidence, but one of my mates from the airfield has been on the phone over the last hour or so - He had been trying to do a fresh 'Full Install' of 20180520 onto a PI2B+ for another mate - as advised by me yesterday after reported dropouts following an earlier USB (.pgp) update to the same version. He initially said that after a 'Full Overwrite' Format - using SDFv5, loading the Full Version of 20180520 onto the (8Gb) card and leaving the PAW unit powered up for over 2 hours, he was still seeing no WiFi Hotspot and the PAW was showing only the single solid red (Power) LED, though he had seen the Disc and Bridge LEDs flashing when the disc first started 'loading'.
I suggested he remove all dongles except the WiFi dongle, attach a monitor, then try a restart and let me know what happened. If this didn't work, he was planning to try a fresh install on another card, but only had a 2Gb card available.
He has just phoned back to say he tried the restart with the original 8Gb card, with the monitor, but it had hung very early into the process (I did explain to him what to expect) - so he removed the card, ran a 'Quick Format' on it using the Standard Windows 10 Formatter with the Default FAT32 allocation size, then re-copied the software onto the card, put it into the PilotAware and Bingo - It booted first time and seems to be running fine (so far at least).
Not sure if this helps, but it's certainly an interesting development.
Regards
Peter
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Lee, Peter - Thank you I (and no apologies needed Peter - I can see you have lots going on). Lee - the PM doesn't have a file attached but points me to a PDF?
Anyhow, to discount the formatting issue, the Rosetta I ordered arrived at lunchtime (very quick - thank you). I booted it up with the enclosed SD card and of course it worked perfectly.
I then took the SD cards I've been working with on my 'classic' in this thread and popped them into the Rosetta.... and it booted up perfectly.
Having seen Peter's response below, although I think I've probably tried that combination, I'll give it a go again!
H
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Have the new loads been tried on a P1 B+, Lee? Maybe the new kernel software doesn't like them.
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Have the new loads been tried on a P1 B+, Lee? Maybe the new kernel software doesn't like them.
Possibly down to user error on my part -my bridge turns out to be a harkwoood barometer as I put my unit together in 2015. Looking for a proper bridge to prove the theory....
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Have the new loads been tried on a P1 B+, Lee? Maybe the new kernel software doesn't like them.
Hi Paul
Before release we test on
Pi1b+
Pi2b v1.1
Pi2b v1.2
Pi3b
Thx
Lee
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When HarryS said it is a V1 “Bridge” I did wonder if he was referring to the Wireless Things ARF? It seems this is the case if it’s mounted on one of Jeremy Curtis’ Harkwood PCBs with Barometric Module.
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HarryS, you will find that if you remove the ARF unit from the Harkwood PCB by carefully sawing lengthwise through the standoff soldered connector using a “junior hacksaw” and ensuring there are is no swarf remaining to create a short circuit, reconnect the Harkwood PCB to Pi B+, and it should run OK with the latest PAW software but purely as an ADS-B receiver!
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Really?! The thing labelled A1 ARF next to the LED.... I have a Dremel standing by....
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You have to remove the complete ARF board that piggybacks onto the Harkwood PCB that plugs into the Pi B+.
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HarryS, you will find that if you remove the ARF unit from the Harkwood PCB by carefully sawing lengthwise through the standoff soldered connector using a “junior hacksaw” and ensuring there are is no swarf remaining to create a short circuit, reconnect the Harkwood PCB to Pi B+, and it should run OK with the latest PAW software but purely as an ADS-B receiver!
Actually, I thought you were joking - but you are serious!
why not just unplug the board ?
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I tried unplugging the board a while back and it still doesn’t boot, so figured there was something the software needed to access to allow things to continue...
Desperate times now for this Classic. I’ve been looking at this for 4 days and my will to continue is ebbing away! Trying not to consign more old electronics to the bin marked ‘probably gets recycled’.
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Hi Lee,
Not joking.
You need the Barometric module on the Harkwood PCB to remain connected to the Pi for it to work. It’s how my “spare” PAW works, that has been useful for testing ADS-B Out installations (for which I have a software licence), and discovered by chance after I sent the ARF back as part of your original “Bridge” upgrade scheme. Havn’t wished to publicise it before as I know it’s PAW ethos to ensure P3i Tx/Rx is included, but it’s likely very few of the Harkwood PCBs are now still in circulation.
Thx,
Chris
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Harry,
When in 2015 did you build your PAW? If it was after mid October, you would have already been advised not to buy the ARF board. It’s certainly beginning to sound to me like you only have the Harkwood board without the ARF, like I did on my second unit. If so, it looks like there is a fault on the Harkwood board or the RPi itself. In either case you are kind of flogging a dead horse I’m afraid.
Regards
Peter
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Ok, just for giggles, I formatted an SD card using this method:
https://www.lifewire.com/format-sd-card-using-windows-4128719 (https://www.lifewire.com/format-sd-card-using-windows-4128719)
I did this as I didn't want to install the SD card formatter on my work laptop as it's very short of disk space.
So then I put it in my PI 1 B+, the one, no less, with the JCurtis ARF board in it! :o I plugged in a HDMI cable and watched on my TV as it all extracted and installed - slower than on the PI 2 or 3! It first gave an undervoltage warning as I was using one of my Poundland USB mains PSUs, but it didn't seem to cause any problems.
I can connect on Wifi but I don't have a current licence for it so everything is showing up red. It recognises the USB dongles though. ;D Don't know whether it's the licence or hardware but it isn't picking up the BMP pressure sensor pressure.
One question, having extracted the software in another Pi for the 15 mins or so it takes, can you then put the card in the Pi 1 B+ to see what happens and if it boots ok? It seems to work fine on mine with the ARF board fitted. You could have a dodgy Pi.
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Dodgy Pi, recipie for the trots :o
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If you are taking the opportunity, as said on the first page, to upgrade the Pi, to a 3 maybe, and you're going to have to have a new bridge board anyway, I'm guessing the only reason for trying all this now is just for interest sake... :D
I find experimentation fascinating though!
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Yes, as Paul has pointed out, it’s not really an economic project given the cost of a new classic, but I will NOT BE BEATEN!! I think my Pi is kaput so now patiently waiting for my 3 to arrive and then try and get hold of a bridge. In the mean time, a Rosetta is here and have been talking to a few chaps about linking PAW to our Transponders so we can get a bit ASDB shouty with the increased wattage (as I understand it)
Yes, the micro SDs which won’t boot up the Pi are then fine in the Rosetta hence thinking the board (or the Barometer card) is toast...
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I got Lee to send me over a licence for my old Pi 1 B+ with the old ARF/Baro board in it (thanks Lee) using the May 2018 software. Well, it all booted up all and it all seems to work, apart from the Trx of course. The Baro seems to work ok, at least it's reporting something which looks sensible. So, I still think you have a dodgy Pi!
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I now have a new Pi3 sitting on my desk so once I manage to find a USB keyboard (a thing of antiquity now) I’ll be able to install NOOBS and then try with the PAW software. Will let you know how I get on...
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USB keyboards arn't a thing of antiquity, they are still very current :) Now PS/2 that is a different story.
When you say NOOBS, to what are you refering? PAW has it's own package and does not requre any pre installed image. We don't nornally refer to the PAW imsage as NOOBS.
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That’s good news. I thought I still had to install the basic Pi OS b fore PAW but if I don’t then I won’t need a keyboard (steam driven or not .. ;) ). Thanks for letting me know.
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Hi Harry,
Coming back late to this conversation as I am on holiday, so laptop access time is limited. Yes, as Ian has advised, you just need the card with PilotAware on it, though a monitor (or TV) is always handy where there is any doubt as it lets you see what is going on.
Re USB Keyboards - readily available if you ever need one. I got mine along with a USB Mouse from Argos for about £14 or so and it does the job fine. (I needed it to do some programming when setting up my OGN-R station).
I still have my original Pi1Bs, which I originally used after moving to Pi2Bs (the precursor to the Classic) as 'surrogates' to allow me to update the card in the PiB1 by Ethernet and then transfer the card into the 'Classic' in the Plane, but I haven't bothered keeping the licences up to date as USB updating has overtaken that these days. I suppose I should re-license one of them for ongoing testing.
Keep up the good work.
Best Regards
Peter
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Et Voila, as you might say, or 'smoke on' seems more appropriate given the RAF flypast in London (which was pretty good) today.
It took me longer to dig the screen back out, unpack the HDMI and juggle power sources, than it did to replace the old Pi with the new Pi3B, power it up and watch the miracle of a trouble free boot process. It seems that, as suggested, my original Pi had 'gone tech'.
So, success. The 3 is notably quicker than the Pi B+ - seems like a worthwhile upgrade even if the board hadn't died.
I'll just need to get my unused licence updated for the new MAC address and get hold of a Bridge (seems this could be the more challenging bit) and I'll have a fully functioning Classic again. As it is, given the hardware mod suggested by Chris, I'll have an ADS-B out detector.
Lee, as an FYI, the 3 does boot up without the Harkwood attached as you were expecting.
As mentioned earlier there are a group of us planning to work on the connection to our Trig Transponders, as well as a slick installation location on a couple of gyrocopters. There are some questions about equipment orientation and how we may need to move an Antenna so they don't clash if the unit is mounted on, for example, it side - but those are for another thread.
Thanks for everyone's input - hopefully there are some trouble shooting details in here that someone else may find useful.
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Well done Harry,
I do like a happy ending :)
No problem with the orientation of PilotAware, except that the antennas need to be as near vertical as possible and the GPS needs to be horizontal and the ‘right way up’ with a good view of the satellites (it can be put on a USB extender or replaced by a USB Mouse type GPS if necessary).
If mounting in gyros - check the bodywork material. If it is Carbon Fibre, you will need to look at externally mounted antennas and GPS, which can be inside the front screen. Glass fibre is fine.
Best Regards
Peter